CONGRATULATIONS to Efe Sodje on his selection in Nigeria's World Cup squad for the greatest show on earth.

Efe's appearance in the finals will add extra spice to the event and his bandanas will certainly bring extra colour.

The likeable defender has been on a steep learning curve since he arrived at Gresty Road, but has knuckled down and reaped the rewards of the seeds he has sown.

He may not be the most skilful of players Dario Gradi has worked with, but Efe must be among the most honest.

His willingness to learn has seen him eliminate the kind of mistakes that so frustrated his manager during his first season with the Alex and his performances last term were recognised by the supporters who named him their Player of the Year. Thursday was another proud moment in Efe's career, as he headed home the goal that effectively ended the Republic of Ireland's two-year unbeaten run at Lansdowne Road.

And, as he brushed aside Manchester United's Roy Keane to head home and danced in celebration with Arsenal's Kanu, he must have thought he was dreaming. Now he will rub shoulders with Hernan Crespo, Henrik Larsson and David Beckham a mouthwatering prospect!

Efe's presence in the World Cup finals will also bring global recognition for Crewe Alexandra, whose name will be emblazoned across millions of television screens every time his caption appears.

We wish Efe and the Super Eagles well except for a certain hour-and-a half in Osaka on June 12!

Unfortunately, Sodje s Gresty Road team-mate Ade Bankole did not make the cut for the finals. The big goalkeeper has been a regular fixture in Onigbinde's squads since he took over as coach earlier this year but has not been given the chance to prove himself despite the Nigerians busy warm-up programme.

EFE SODJE will achieve his ultimate footballing ambition next month when he plays in the World Cup finals.

After weeks of uncertainty,the Alex defender's dream came true when he was named in Nigeria s 23-man squad by coach Adegboye Onigbinde.

The 29-year-old Nantwich-based centre-back has helped the Super Eagles soar to victories over the Republic of Ireland and Jamaica during the past week, scoring his first international goal in the 2-1 win over Eire in Dublin.

"It is the ultimate dream," he said. "I can't begin to put into words how it feels. It's the high point of my career.It s just so funny that England are in the same group. You see all these stars like Michael Owen and David Beckham and to think you could be playing against them is the pinnacle."

And Sodje, who will fill the right-back berth for the Nigerians, insists his side aren't there to make up the numbers.

"We know that people are writing us off because of the group we have been drawn in. Some see us as the jokers but each game lasts for 90 minutes and it all depends on how you play on the day. We'll see who the jokers are," he said.

"We are the underdogs but we are happy with that. Any country who has made it to the World Cup will have good players. We do not fear anyone.

"England may have Beckham and Owen but a couple of trees don't make a forest. It will be a success if we can get through the group and I think it will be tight. We d be pleased to get through to the next round because they are all strong countries.

"I think people will be surprised by Nigeria and Sweden. We are confident and will be going to the World Cup determined to show how far we have improved as a team."

Football has reached new heights in Nigeria with millions set to watch the festival in Japan and Korea.

Sodje's performances in his country's warm-up games have already made him a superstar in his homeland where expectationsare high.

He said: "There is intense pressure from the media and the public because football is extremely popular in Nigeria. There is not a lot else to do and last month nearly 60 million watched our game against Scotland back home on TV. Everyone loves football and expects us to do well in Japan and Korea.

"The standard of the leagues in Nigeria is probably the same as Division Three over here and that is why our better players move to Europe to improve. We have a lot of players playing in different countries and that has helped us develop as a team."

Alex manager Dario Gradi said: "It's a real bonus and an honour for the club and the football experience will do Efe good."